Raritan Bay Sailing Conditions

Local sailing conditions on Raritan Bay can be very intriguing for sailors because of a variety of influencing factors. These include, but are not limited to naturally occurring elements such as wind, tidal currents, channel marks and water depths. Manmade phenomenon include deep water channels, buoys, rockpiles and lighthouses and commercial traffic ranging from tugboats and sand barges to ocean going oil tankers with limited maneuver room in those channels. Many a sailor, both racing and cruising in our bay has been faced with the question; "Do I cross or tack?"

Prevailing winds on the bay depend on the season, with cool spring southeasterly sea breezes, warm summer southwest flows and chilly fall northwest winds. In between, you'll find your share of nor'easterlies which can bring rain, wind and rough seas. Wind speeds generally range from light to medium, except when there are large pressure gradients near storms or with the approach of a strong frontal system.

Tidal range is between 5 and 6 feet with currents running from .5 to 1.5 kts. Currents generally flow in an east - west direction, except in the west end of the bay, where the Arthur Kill and Raritan river estuaries flow into the bay at right angles, causing visible tide lines to persist, especially on ebb tides. An observation can be made that the current in the Raritan River will begin to flood and ebb up to one half hour before the Arthur Kill. It also should be noted that the currents tend to run stronger in the deep-water channels.

Water depths tend not to be a problem in Raritan Bay for the average sailboat.The average depth ranges from seven to fifteen feet at mean low water. The south side of the bay shallows faster as you approach the Jersey shore, particularly off Conashonk Point between Keyport and Keansburg. One other shallow area to watch for is off Ward Point at the west-end of Staten Island. At low water you can run aground within fifty feet of the well-marked deep-water channel in this area.

Fog is generally not a problem on Raritan Bay, but thunderstorms can be. Keep an eye to the west for approaching storm clouds. On most days the sea breeze fills in the early afternoon, starting at the western end of the bay.

When the full Moon rises over the bay night sailing can be a beautiful experience. Don't miss the opportunity to sail eastward into the moonbeam and returning west to find Christmas in July, a maze of red, green, and white blinking channel markers.

May fair winds and smooth seas follow you always!

Eric Leitner, P.C.